USAID inaugurates $9.5m advancing nutrition to curb malnutrition

Etim Ekpimah

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has inaugurated a two-year $9.5 million Advancing Nutrition Activity to improve the nutritional health of citizens in Bauchi, Kebbi, and Sokoto states.

It was gathered that the activity would address the immediate and underlying causes of malnutrition, provide technical support, share innovations, and conduct research to improve nutritional outcomes.

The event was also an opportunity to showcase the USAID/Nigeria Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy (2020-2025), which was developed in partnership with the Government of Nigeria and other key stakeholders.

USAID Health, Population, and Nutrition Office Director, Paul McDermott, in his remarks, said: “Malnutrition has a far-reaching impact on the most vulnerable populations, especially children, adolescents, and women.”

He added, “Addressing malnutrition is critical to improving health, education, and economic development.”

According to a 2021 UNICEF report, malnutrition is the underlying cause of nearly half of the deaths of children under age five every year in Nigeria.

The activity is led by John Snow, Inc. and JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., and a diverse group of experienced partners, including Helen Keller International.